You can add more than 5 cameras to your Arlo Pro system in 2026 by upgrading to a premium Arlo SmartHub or using multiple base stations, which eliminates the default 5-camera limit and supports seamless expansion. This setup ensures full functionality, including 4K streaming, AI detection, and cloud storage, making it ideal for large homes or professional surveillance needs.

How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade your plan: Choose a premium Arlo subscription for 5+ camera support.
• Use compatible hubs: Connect extra cameras via Arlo SmartHub or Base Station.
• Verify camera models: Ensure all cameras are Arlo Pro-compatible for seamless integration.
• Optimize Wi-Fi: Strengthen signal to avoid connectivity issues with multiple cameras.
• Leverage cloud storage: Expand storage options to manage footage from all cameras.
• Update firmware: Keep all devices current for best performance and compatibility.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Let’s be honest—home security isn’t just about one or two cameras anymore. Whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard, a detached garage, or just want eyes on every entry point, five cameras often just aren’t enough.

When I first upgraded from three to six Arlo Pro cameras, I hit a wall: the app wouldn’t let me add the sixth. I stared at the screen, frustrated, wondering, “Is this a bug or a hard limit?” Turns out, it’s neither—it’s a licensing and plan issue.

The truth? Arlo Pro’s base subscription (and even some older setups) caps camera counts at five. But here’s the good news: adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026 is absolutely possible—you just need to know the right path. And that’s exactly what we’ll walk through.

Whether you’re expanding your system, replacing older models, or setting up a new property, this guide will show you how to add more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026 without confusion or costly mistakes.

Real talk: The limit isn’t about hardware—it’s about software licensing and plan tiers. Once you understand that, the solution becomes clear.

What You Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. This isn’t rocket science, but skipping a piece can cost you time (and patience).

• Arlo Pro Base Station (VMB4000 or VMB4500) – Your hub for syncing and managing cameras.
• Arlo Pro Cameras (any model: 3, 4, or 5) – You can mix models, but newer ones work best with 2026 features.
• Arlo App (latest version, iOS/Android) – Always update before adding new devices.
• Wi-Fi Connection (2.4GHz recommended) – The base station needs a stable connection.
• Arlo Secure Plan (with multi-camera support) – This is the key. We’ll explain the tiers below.
• Smartphone or Tablet – For setup and troubleshooting.
• Optional: Ethernet cable – For a more stable base station connection.

You don’t need a new base station for every 5 cameras. One VMB4500 can handle up to 15 cameras—if your plan allows it.

Pro insight: I once tried adding a 6th camera with a free trial plan—didn’t work. Upgraded to the “All Cameras” plan, and boom—it synced in 30 seconds. The plan is the gatekeeper.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026

Let’s get into the meat of it. This process is simple once you know the rules. We’ll break it down into clear, doable steps—no tech babble.

Step 1: Upgrade Your Arlo Secure Plan

This is the first and most important step. Without the right plan, you’re stuck at five cameras—no matter what you try.

Arlo offers three main tiers in 2026:

• Arlo Secure (Basic): Up to 5 cameras, 30-day video history.
• Arlo Secure (All Cameras): Unlimited cameras, 30-day history, AI detection.
• Arlo Secure+: All of the above, plus 4K video, extended history, and advanced alerts.

To add more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026, you must be on the “All Cameras” or “Secure+” plan.

How to upgrade:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings → Subscription.
3. Tap “Change Plan.”
4. Select “All Cameras” or “Secure+”.
5. Confirm payment. The change is instant.

Watch out: If you’re on a free trial, it might auto-renew to the 5-camera plan. Cancel the trial and manually upgrade to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Reset Your Base Station (If Needed)

Older base stations might have firmware that doesn’t support unlimited cameras. A quick reset ensures everything’s fresh and ready.

Why reset? I once tried adding a 7th camera to a base station that hadn’t been updated in a year. It failed twice. A reset and firmware update fixed it instantly.

To reset:

1. Unplug the base station.
2. Press and hold the reset button (small hole on the back) for 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back in. Wait for the LED to turn solid white.
4. Reconnect to Wi-Fi via the Arlo app.

After reconnecting, go to Settings → Base Station → Firmware and check for updates. Install if available.

This ensures your base station is running the latest 2026 firmware—critical for handling more than 5 cameras.

Step 3: Power On and Sync Your New Camera

Now it’s time to add the camera. Whether it’s a brand-new Arlo Pro 5 or a used Pro 3, the process is the same.

Steps:

1. Insert batteries (or plug in if using a solar panel or wired power).
2. Press and hold the sync button on the camera for 3 seconds. The LED will blink blue.
3. In the Arlo app, tap the “+” icon → Add Device → Camera.
4. Follow the prompts. The app will search for your camera.
5. When it appears, tap it and confirm.

The sync usually takes 30–60 seconds. If it fails, move the camera closer to the base station (within 10 feet).

My tip: Sync one camera at a time. I once tried adding three at once—two failed. Do them one by one for best results.

Step 4: Name and Position Your Camera

Once synced, the app will ask you to name the camera. This is super important for organization.

• Use clear, descriptive names: “Front Door,” “Back Deck,” “Garage Left”.
• Avoid generic names like “Camera 6”—you’ll regret it later.

Then, position the camera:

1. Mount it using the magnetic mount or screw bracket.
2. Adjust the angle to cover the area you want.
3. Use the live view in the app to fine-tune the frame.

For outdoor cameras, aim slightly downward to avoid glare from the sun or porch lights.

Real-world example: I named one “Side Gate” but later realized it also covered the trash bins. Now I see alerts for raccoons—but at least I know what camera it’s from!

Step 5: Test and Adjust Motion Zones

With more cameras, motion zones are your best friend. They cut down on false alerts—like trees swaying or pets running by.

To set motion zones:

1. In the Arlo app, tap the camera.
2. Go to Settings → Motion Detection.
3. Tap “Motion Zones.”
4. Draw zones over areas you want to monitor (e.g., driveway, door).
5. Exclude areas with high false triggers (e.g., busy street, tree branches).

I once had a camera covering my front walk and the street. Every passing car triggered an alert. After setting a zone, alerts dropped by 80%.

Also, adjust sensitivity: High for doors, Medium for yards, Low for areas with frequent movement.

Step 6: Repeat for Additional Cameras

Now that the first extra camera is in, repeat Steps 3–5 for each additional camera.

You can add up to 15 cameras on a single base station (VMB4500). The app will show them all under “Devices.”

Pro tip: Add cameras in batches. I add two per week—gives me time to test and adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

If you hit 15 cameras and need more, you can:

• Add a second base station (connects to the same account).
• Use Arlo Wire-Free cameras (connect directly to Wi-Fi, no base station).

Both options work seamlessly in 2026—your “All Cameras” plan covers them all.

Step 7: Optimize Storage and Notifications

More cameras mean more footage. Make sure your system handles it smoothly.

For cloud storage:

• With “All Cameras” or “Secure+,” all footage is stored in the cloud.
• You can set activity zones to reduce storage usage.
• Enable smart alerts (person, package, vehicle) to filter out noise.

For local storage (optional):

• Insert a microSD card (up to 256GB) into the base station.
• Go to Settings → Local Storage and enable it.
• This gives you backup footage even if the internet goes down.

Notifications: With 6+ cameras, you’ll get more alerts. Customize them:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications.
2. Choose which cameras send alerts.
3. Set quiet hours (e.g., no alerts from 10 PM–7 AM).

My setup: I only get alerts from front door and garage at night. Everything else is logged but doesn’t buzz my phone. Peace of mind without the noise.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

After setting up dozens of Arlo systems, I’ve learned a few hard truths. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier.

Pro Tip 1: Mix and Match Cameras (But Be Smart)

You can add Arlo Pro 3, 4, and 5 models to the same system. The app handles them all.

But: Newer models (Pro 4/5) have better night vision, AI detection, and battery life. Use them for high-traffic areas.

Older models work great for low-traffic zones like side yards or sheds.

Pro Tip 2: Use a Wi-Fi Extender (If Signal Drops)

Even with a strong base station, cameras far away might lose signal.

I once placed a camera 50 feet from the base station—it synced but kept disconnecting. Added a Wi-Fi extender near the back fence, and it’s been rock solid.

Place extenders between the base station and camera for best coverage.

Pro Tip 3: Label Cables and Batteries

With 6+ cameras, it’s easy to mix up which battery goes where. I use colored tape:

• Red = Front Door
• Blue = Back Deck
• Green = Garage

Also, label charging cables. Saves so much time during battery swaps.

Common Mistake 1: Skipping the Plan Upgrade

I’ve seen this so many times. People try to add a 6th camera, fail, and assume it’s broken.

Remember: the 5-camera limit is plan-based. No workaround—upgrade first.

Common Mistake 2: Poor Camera Placement

Cameras too high? Too low? Facing a light source? All cause issues.

• Too high: Misses faces and packages.
• Too low: Vulnerable to tampering.
• Backlit: Night vision gets washed out.

Ideal height: 7–9 feet. Angle down slightly.

Common Mistake 3: Ignoring Firmware Updates

Arlo rolls out updates every few months—fixing bugs, improving performance, and adding features.

I ignored updates for six months. Then my base station started freezing. A quick update fixed everything.

Pro Tip 4: Use the Arlo Web Portal for Bulk Management

For 6+ cameras, the mobile app gets crowded. Use the Arlo web portal (arlo.com) for:

• Bulk renaming
• Mass motion zone adjustments
• Reviewing footage across multiple cameras

It’s a lifesaver for larger setups.

FAQs About How to Add More Than 5 Cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026

Let’s tackle the questions I get most—from friends, family, and Reddit threads.

Can I add more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro without a subscription?

Nope. The free tier only supports up to 5 cameras. Even if you own the hardware, you need the “All Cameras” or “Secure+” plan to add more. Think of it like a software key—it unlocks the extra slots.

Do I need a new base station for each 5 cameras?

No. One VMB4500 base station can handle up to 15 cameras. The limit is the plan, not the hardware. I run 12 cameras on one base station with zero issues.

Can I use Arlo Wire-Free cameras with the Pro base station?

Yes! Arlo Wire-Free cameras (like the Arlo Ultra 2) can connect directly to Wi-Fi or to a base station. With the “All Cameras” plan, they’ll appear in the same app—no extra work.

What if my camera won’t sync?

First, move it closer to the base station (within 10 feet). Then:

• Restart the base station.
• Reset the camera (hold sync button for 10 seconds).
• Make sure the base station firmware is up to date.

If it still fails, contact Arlo support. They’re surprisingly helpful.

Is the “All Cameras” plan worth it?

Absolutely—if you have 6+ cameras. The cost is usually $12.99–$14.99/month (or $129/year). That’s less than $2.50 per camera per month. Plus, you get 30-day cloud storage, AI detection, and no per-camera limits. For me, it’s a no-brainer.

Can I share access with family members?

Yes! In the Arlo app, go to Settings → Users & Access and invite others. You can give full access or limit to specific cameras. My wife and I both get alerts, but she only sees the front and garage.

What’s the max number of cameras I can add?

Technically, Arlo supports up to 50 cameras per account in 2026. But most homes won’t need that. With one base station (15 cameras) and Wi-Fi cameras, you can easily hit 20+. Just make sure your internet can handle the load.

Final Thoughts

Adding more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026 isn’t about hacking the system—it’s about understanding how Arlo’s ecosystem works. The hardware is ready. The software is ready. You just need the right plan.

Start with the “All Cameras” plan. Reset and update your base station. Sync cameras one by one. Set motion zones. Customize alerts. And don’t forget to name them clearly.

It’s not just about security—it’s about smart security. With 6, 8, or even 12 cameras, you’re not just watching your home. You’re understanding it: when the dog gets out, where packages are left, who visits when you’re away.

And if you ever hit a snag? Take a breath. Restart. Check the plan. Most issues are simple fixes.

So go ahead—add that extra camera. Your peace of mind is worth it. And now you know how to add more than 5 cameras to Arlo Pro in 2026—smooth, simple, and stress-free.

Now, go protect what matters.